The Uncertainty of Life 

Scripture Reading: James 4:13-17.

Memory Verse: "Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth" (Proverbs 27:1).

Introduction: None of us knows the hour that our life will end, life is so uncertain. Life's sojourn is fleeting and death often interrupts our intended plans.
  There are many examples of works of art that have been left unfinished because of the death of the artist. Franz Schubert left his great Unfinished Symphony, and Charles Dickens laid down his pen in the middle of writing a novel (and students of literature have been wondering how it would have ended ever since). The last words written in Sir Walter Scott's journal were,  "Tomorrow we shall . . ." The entry was never finished. The artist Raphael died at 37 years old. His friends carried his unfinished painting "The Transfiguration" in the funeral procession as a symbol of life's shortness.
  One of the great prizes of the National Gallery is a picture by Holbein entitled "The Ambassadors." The painting is of two ambassadors--men of power and influence--surrounded by worldly treasures and wealth. The painting might be taken to represent success and glory were it not for the strange object painted on the floor of the room in which the men abode. This object is a distorted image of a human skull. It is the artist's commentary upon life. Rev. James Burns said of the phenomenon in this painting, "Remember, O man, he seems to say, that thou art mortal. The world passeth away. He only that doeth the will of God shall abide forever."

Lesson Questions:

1. What security do we have on the continuation of life? James 4:13,14; Ecclesiastes 9:12; Matthew 24:43.

2. Discuss the carelessness of making presumptions upon our future. James 4:13; Numbers 15:30; Deuteronomy 18:19-22; Isaiah 45:9;
1 Corinthians 10:9; Genesis 11:4; Proverbs 19:21; Luke 12:16-21.

3. What does the Bible say about the brevity of life? James 4:14; 1 Samuel 20:3; Psalm 78:39; 103:14; 90:5,6,16; Isaiah 64:6; 40:6-8; 1 Peter 1:24.

4. Since life is so uncertain, what did Jesus instruct us to do about the future? Mark 13:32-37; Luke 12:35-40; 21:34-36; Revelation 16:15.

5. What should be our attitude toward the future? James 4:15; Proverbs 3:5,6; Psalm 37:3-5; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 6:18,19.

6. What rebuke does James give those who rejoice in boasting that they control their own destiny? James 4:16; 3:5; Proverbs 14:12; 27:1; 12:15; 13:15; 15:9; Psalm 10:3; 49:6,7.

7. Describe the greater responsibility required of those who have received more spiritual light. James 4:17; 1 Peter 4:12-19; Matthew 23:23,24; 25:41-46; Luke 11:23; 12:42-48; John 15:22.